Disney introduces its first Latina princess, Elena of Avalor

Elena will make her big debut on an episode of Sofia the First next year

New Latina Disney princess Elena of Avalor (Disney)

Disney has revealed its first Latina princess – meet Princess Elena of Avalor.

Sixteen-year-old Elena is set to make her big debut in a “special episode” of children’s TV show Sofia the First next year.

Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, has the power to speak with animals and summon other Disney princesses but little does she know that Elena (Aimee Carrero) has been trapped inside her magical Amulet of Avalor for decades.

Sound confusing? It is a bit. Sofia is on a mission to transform Elena back into a human and reunite her with her family, after the evil sorceress Shuriki tore her from them and displaced her as Avalor’s rightful heir.

Disney princess Sofia the First (Disney)

Once she’s got her breath back, Elena will headline her own animated series, Elena of Avalor, on Disney Junior sometime in 2016.

She is described as “bold, caring, funny and clever…a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore”.

Elena will learn how to rule a kingdom from her grandparents Tito and Cici and a royal advisor called Duke Esteban. Then there’s young wizard Mateo and mystical flying creature Skylar.

“Our creative team has delivered a universal story with themes that authentically reflect the hopes and dreams of our diverse audience,” said Nancy Kanter, executive VP of Disney Junior Worldwide.

“What excites us most is the chance to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests and aspirations of children as told through a classic fairytale.”

In other Disney princess news, new Polynesian princess Moana will be introduced to us in a self-titled 2018 movie and Hollywood star Emma Watson has been cast as Belle in the live action remake of Beauty and the Beast.